Penn College polymer training attracts diverse professionals

Two recent workshops conducted by the renowned Plastics Innovation & Resource Center at Pennsylvania College of Technology delivered training to 23 professionals representing 15 companies, six states, Canada and Costa Rica.

The five-day Injection Molding Processing Series offered a comprehensive examination of injection molding technology, and the two-day Extrusion Die Design Workshop introduced die design principles for all major extrusion processes.

Timothy Weston, associate professor emeritus and owner of Plastics Black Belt LLC, returned to campus to lead the injection molding session. Mark A. Sneidman, instructor of polymer technology, assisted Weston throughout the week.

Topics included basics of the injection molding process, setup cycles, control part dimensions and machine issues.

“As a process engineer new to the injection molding field, this course has given me a great understanding of the process of setting up an optimized cycle. I now have the tools and can approach challenges in production from an educational perspective,” said Peter Thullen, of East Penn Manufacturing Co.

“Being able to get in front of an injection molding machine and operate one helped to visualize the process and increased understanding of customers’ problems,” added Bryson Morgan, of Stoner Inc.

Engel Machinery Inc. sponsored the Injection Molding Processing Series.

The Extrusion Die Design Workshop focused on the effects of rheology on die designs, best practices for designing dies, and types and common designs for calibration.

Adam C. Barilla, assistant professor of polymer technology, served as lead instructor for the workshop, which, like the Injection Molding Process Series, earned rave reviews.

“It was a great workshop. The course was very application-based. I think I will be able to apply it on my work. It was nice to bring theory to practice,” commented Rayanne Pinto Costa, from Continental AG.

“Perfect place to improve my skill, broaden knowledge and network with other professionals,” said Gakuto Komada, of Terumo Medical Corp., a Penn College Corporate Tomorrow Maker.

Graham Engineering was the company sponsor for the workshop.

Both the Extrusion Die Design Workshop and the Injection Molding Processing Series featured lecture and extensive hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment. Four PIRC staff members assisted for both sessions: Christopher J. Gagliano, director; Nathan A. Rader-Edkin, program manager; Chris S. Macdonald, training specialist; and Beth J. Zielewicz, program specialist.

The PIRC is one of the top plastics technology centers in the nation for research, development and education related to injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, rotational molding and thermoforming. To learn more, call 570-321-5533.

Penn College is one of seven institutions nationwide offering plastics engineering technology programs that are accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering Technology. Students may seek a bachelor’s degree in polymer engineering technology or an associate degree in polymer technology.

For information about those and other majors in the School of Engineering Technologies, call 570-327-4520. Penn College is a national leader in applied technology education. Email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.